Jordan, Pele, Woods, Gretzky, Pedan... unquestionably the world's greatest at their respective sport. If one of those names didn't quite seem to fit, allow us to introduce you to the Cigar Smoking World Championship, held annually since launching in November 2010. The event is an international competition, with local qualifications amounting to national championships and finishing with the Grand Final, as contestants from 35 countries gather in Split, Croatia. The competition requires contestants to smoke a particular cigar for the longest without relighting. The most recent champion—Oleg Pedan—claimed the title by maintaining his cigar for three hours, 26 minutes, eight seconds.

You may find yourself pondering what these titans of tobacco smoke during competition. Indeed, a custom blend has been crafted specifically for the occasion: Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship. This unique blend consists of a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and fillers of Nicaragua and Honduras. These World Championship cigars are rolled at Rocky's boutique-minded TaviCusa factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, being crafted in three formats (though the Mareva format is the only size used for competition).

Thankfully, Rocky hasn't limited this savory blend for competition only, allowing all enthusiasts a chance to get in on the fun! Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship is a medium-bodied experience that focuses on quality construction (it sort of has to, after all) and an approachable flavor profile first and foremost. This includes standout nuances of earth, toasted oak, must, cinnamon, and deep mocha.